Smarter Balanced Field Test Technology Requirements 9:00 a. m

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1 Smarter Balanced Field Test Technology Requirements 9:00 a. mSmarter Balanced Field Test Technology Requirements 9:00 a.m. January 22, 2014This webcast is designed for district testing coordinators, and anyone who will be assisting with technology aspects of testing.We will focus on just the Secure Browser in this Webcast, but there is much more information in the Technology Specifications Manual that will be useful.Refer to the technical guide when doing the install (we’ll remind you throughout). This webcast is an overview. We will be providing detailed “how to” videos for each device-specific install at a later date.

2 Source MaterialThroughout the presentation, we will be referring to the Technical Specifications Manual (TSM), available atJanuary 2014

3 Student Participation Expectations5% of students will take Field Test items from one content area (i.e., ELA or math) and 95% of students will take Field Test items from both content areas.Participation expectations:Grades 3–8: All students are expected to participate.Grades 9 and 10: Only students selected for the scientific sample are expected to participate.Grade 11: Students selected for the scientific sample are expected to participate; all others are encouraged to participate.January 2014

4 Student Participation ExpectationsThe only students exempt from participating in the Smarter Balanced Field Test are:Students who participate in the CAPAFor the ELA test only, English learners (ELs) who have been attending school in the United States for less than 12 monthsJanuary 2014

5 When are we testing?The statewide testing window starts March 18 and ends June 6.Each school will have an assigned six-week testing window during which all testing must be completed.January 2014

7 Internet/Network RequirementsA constant, stable, high-speed Internet connection is required for the test.The average response time for each assessment depends on the reliability and speed of your school’s Internet connection.Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers must be configured to allow testing.Recommend a minimum of 20 kbps for each student testing, but this will likely spike at startup time.January 2014

8 Internet/Network RequirementsMake sure that you have enough Wireless Access Points to support the number of students testing at any given time.Wireless traffic must use encryption. WPA2 and AES standards are strongly recommended.Try out the Network Diagnostic Tool, available athttps://air.tds.airast.org/student/Pages/LoginShell.aspx?section=sectionDiagnostics&c=SBAC_PT.January 2014

9 Technology RequirementsFor more specific information about technology requirements, see TSM 5–16.For more background on overall technology readiness, watch the Technology Readiness Webinar recorded on November 4 atJanuary 2014

12 Hardware RequirementsHeadphones are required for each test station (needed for all students for the ELA test)Microphones not requiredExternal keyboards required for tablets10″ diagonal display or larger (iPads with 9.5” screens are OK)1024 x 768 display resolutionOn-site printers are required for students with the Print on Demand accommodationsSee TSM 15 for important information about printer placement and security requirements.January 2014

14 AccommodationsText-to-Speech Accommodation information can be found in TSMBraille hardware and software information can be found in TSMPrint On Demand hardware information can be found in TSM 15.Additional information about accommodations can be found in the A&A guidelines document on the Smarter Balanced portal.January 2014

16 What is the Secure Browser?The secure browser is a type of software that must be installed on each computer for the 2014 Smarter Balanced Field Test.There are different versions of the secure browser for different device types and operating systems.January 2014

17 What is the Secure Browser?All Field Test secure browsers (Windows, Mac, Android, Chromebook, iOS and Linux) are available on the Smarter Balanced Portal Web page (http://sbac.portal.airast.org/browsers/).Need to uninstall Pilot Test version of browser, if previously installed.If you have a secure browser for your state testing, no need to uninstall it.January 2014

18 When Should the Secure Browser Be Installed?Install the Secure Browser as soon as possible.This gives stakeholders time to become familiar with the software, testing interface, etc.The practice test can be accessed by anyone without installing any special software at https://sbacpt.tds.airast.org/student/.The practice test can also be accessed via the secure browser.Gives students a preview of the locked-down testing experience.Helps determine if network resources are sufficient for testing.January 2014

25 Secure Browser NotesThe Secure Browser checks for “prohibited” applications while it is running. This includes Instant Messaging, Screen Capture, etc.Ctrl-Alt-Del is disabled, so use Ctrl-Alt-Shift-F10 to exit the software for Windows and Mac. Use Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Esc to exit in Linux.January 2014

27 I’ve Installed the Browser, Now What?Run the Practice Test.Open the browser and select “Training Test.”Refer to the Practice Test User Guide:Run the Network Diagnostics Tool.Open the browser and select “Network Diagnostics Tool.”Run at various times of the day, with varying numbers of students indicated.Establish points of contact within your district to respond to technical issues during testing.Review checklists for other tasks.January 2014

28 Technology Coordinator ChecklistTechnology Coordinator ActivitiesReferences in TSMEstimated Time to CompleteTarget Completion Date (or fill in your own date)Direct ResponsibilitiesVerify that your school’s Internet and network are properly configured for testing.See TSM, Section I, page 55–10 hoursComplete at least 3–4 weeks prior to testing.Work with technology personnel to:Conduct network diagnosticsDownload the Secure Browser (beginning late November or early December)Resolve other technical issues before and during testingTSM, page 7See TSM Section V, page 24TIDE User GuideVerify that all of your school’s computers that will be used for online testing meet the minimum hardware requirements.See TSM, Section II, pageVerify that the secure browser is installed and accessible on all computers that will be used for testing.See TSM, Section V, page 24, and Section VI, page 46Disable pop-up blockers and install any necessary plug-ins or software.See Section III, page 16Complete at least 1–2 weeks prior to testing.Disable Fast User Switching.See TSM, Section III, page 17TSM 71–72January 2014

29 Technology Coordinator ChecklistTechnology Coordinator ActivitiesReferences in TSMEstimated Time to CompleteTarget Completion Date (or fill in your own date)Disable Spaces in Mission Control on computers with Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), or (Mavericks).See TSM, page 335–10 hoursComplete at least 1–2 weeks prior to testing.Work with TAs to close all “forbidden applications” except those identified as necessary by the District Technology Coordinator (DTC).Load all accommodation software onto computers that will be used for testing.BrailleTest-to-speechVoice PacksSee TSM, Section IV, page and Section VII page 57 and 67Monitor Administration ActivitiesMonitor testing progress during the testing window and ensure that all students participate as appropriate, addressing student issues as needed.As neededFollow up on any technical issues raised by the School Test Coordinator for resolution.TSM 71–72January 2014

30 Other Reminders Complete the Technology Readiness Tool.Review Field Test window assignments.And don’t forget… there are still some paper tests to administer for CST, CMA, CAPA, and STS. (STS is optional). Reminders for the paper testing:Test administration setupPre-IDJanuary 2014

32 E-mail: caltac@ets.orgResources and SupportCalTAC help desk is there to support YOU!We can help determine the installation option that works best for your LEA.Consider putting your technology coordinator in touch with your CalTAC representative, who has access to technology experts.Phone:January 2014

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